45 migrants drown as Turkey vows to stop flow to Europe

ATHENS: Forty-five people drowned when three refugee boats sank Friday (Saturday in Manila) off Greece, as Turkey pledged to “do everything” to stop record numbers of migrants heading to Europe. Despite wintry conditions, thousands of people fleeing war and misery are still embarking on the dangerous sea journey to seek a better life in Europe. In a stark illustration of the high cost of the voyage, Greek and Turkish coastguards recovered the bodies of 45 migrants—including 20 children—whose boats capsized on their way to Greece, officials said Friday. Greek rescuers pulled 74 people to safety after two boats ran into trouble off the Aegean islands of Farmakonisi and Kalolimnos in the early hours. But the toll could rise as rescuers were still scouring the waters for people missing from the boat that capsized off Kalolimnos.